Decoding poly (RC)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1), the underrated guard at the foothill of ferroptosis

PCBP1 is a multifunctional adaptor protein, whose function as an iron chaperone and epigenetic regulator of several chemical messengers involved in ferroptosis has garnered much attention. Herein, this review, several attempts have been made to simplify our understanding of the complex roles of PCBP1. The review begins by elucidating the relevance of PCBP1 in key events governing ferroptosis. We expeditiously shed light on some of the important mechanisms that have critical implications for the ferroptosis landscape. For instance, senescence, EMT, hypoxia, and regulation of the cell cycle and immune checkpoints, among others, have been demonstrated to influence ferroptosis sensitivity to varying degrees. Thus, this review entails a conscious attempt to carefully examine the relevance of PCBP1 in such potential mechanisms. Furthermore, we investigated the therapeutic relevance of PCBP1 in tumor biology and autoimmunity, while underscoring the contrasting perspective of ferroptosis targeting across the disease spectrum. Finally, we debate the different strategies that can be exploited to target PCBP1 in promoting or inhibiting ferroptosis.